Volume 23, Chapter 9

Sunday, morning.

As promised Katsuto came by private car to pick up Mayumi from the Saegusa mansion.

Katsuto had an impressive car. Size, power, reliability, everything was present.

Mayumi stared dazedly at this car, which looked as if it had been in the armed conflicts zone of Central Asia.

"Juumonji-kun. Did the Self-Defense Forces sell this to you?"

This is a normal commercial vehicle.

This SUV really wasn't made to order, nor was it a converted car. It was a special limited edition model modification of an original model, but it was a purely commercial model car. Even if its design was copied from military vehicles.

But Katsuto, subjected to unfair accusations, also had something to ask Mayumi about.

"More importantly Saegusa, why haven't I heard from you that Watanabe was going too."

The look coming from Katsuto, who asked almost the exact same question as last month, was slightly more intense than usual.

Mari, standing next to Mayumi, nodded with a face saying "say something else."

Mayumi pulled a feigned smile, as if saying "what, for example!".

"So what? Mari also worries about our kohai."

"Hey! Don't say it as if I signed on at will!" Complained Mari, who was taken by surprise at such a shift of responsibility. However, even these words of protest couldn't hide the obvious lie.

"You are yourself Mari, don't be shy about it."

"Well, you ..."

Mari couldn't find the words to answer the pretending friendly Mayumi.

"Instead of arguing, let's go! We will not waste time." Taking advantage of the pause, Mayumi offered to continue what they were here for.

"That's right ..."

"Nothing is planned for today, but it certainly will be a waste of time if you quarrel here", thought Katsuto and returned to the driver's seat.

With a satisfied face, Mayumi climbed onto the rear passenger seat. Mari followed Mayumi with a resigned face.

? ? ?

Mayumi who had set off to Izu in such a triumphant mood, quickly came down to earth and was on the way to becoming depressed.

"I refuse." This was Tatsuya's answer.

These words were addressed to Katsuto sitting opposite Tatsuya in the villa.

Next to Tatsuya was Miyuki. Her expressionless face turned aside to Mayumi who sat next to Katsuto. Under the pressure of Miyuki's gaze, Mayumi was unable to maintain even the usual polite smile.

"Why?"

Terrible voice Katsuto Tatsuya, but Mayumi involuntarily almost jumped from the sofa.

Neither Tatsuya nor Miyuki showed any reaction to such a powerful voice.

"I must ask this. Why do you think that I should participate in "Project Dion" Juumonji-senpai?"

Tatsuya refused Katsuto's request to participate in the American "Project Dion."

"Shiba, two years ago I told you that you must join the Ten Master Clans."

"Yes, I remember."

"The Ten Master Clans is part of the system of mutual aid for the magicians of this country created by Elder Kudo."

"I think this isn't part of the system, but its management link, but ... I understand it too."

"I believe that those who have great power, those who have exceptional abilities, also bear the responsibility."

Tatsuya silently waited for him to continue.

"Most magicians don't have much power. If you limit yourself to brute force, most magicians cannot compete with ordinary people who don't know magic, but have studied martial arts."

"So it seems because of different methods of evaluation. In addition, those magicians who don't serve in the army or the police are considered ordinary civilians."

"What a sophistry ..." Mari mumbled in an irritated voice, sitting on the side opposite to Mayumi of Katsuto.

However, Tatsuya ignored this statement and Katsuto didn't care either.

"Nnon-magicians think that magicians are a different race, and this isn't limited to our country alone. This can be seen by looking at what is happening around the world."

"But not everyone thinks so. Let's skip that part for now."

Tatsuya's gaze called out for him to continue.

"I completely disagree with the idea that magicians are a different race from people. Don't forget the fact that magicians are a minority. Magicians should be friends and help each other. In this sense, I believe that the Ten Master Clans system created by the elder is correct.

"If this mutual assistance by magicians doesn't lead to contempt and exclusion of people who cannot use magic, then I also think that it is correct."

"... Do you mean that magicians look down on those incapable of magic, like some elite class looks at commoners?" Mari asked sitting next to Katsuto. The question clearly read the subtext "you think too much."

"In the near future it could become true." This time Tatsuya didn't ignore Mari.

"Shiba. Entering the Ten Master Clans, you should also give a helping hand to those same magicians." Katsuto ignored both Mari's question and Tatsuya's answer.

"Dear head of the Juumonji family. Sorry for being rude, but Tatsuya-sama is a direct descendant of the head of the Yotsuba family." Miyuki said. After talking with Tatsuya last night, Miyuki finally admitted that for the rest of the world "Tatsuya-sama" is her fiancé.

"I know successor-donor of the Yotsuba family. But I think that the Ten Master Clans is a duty, not a pedigree."

Katsuto returned his gaze to Tatsuya.

"Magicians who have great power, should help the weak magicians. Public opinion of magicians has been declining every day pushing magicians into a corner. Everything comes to the fact that they will slander us and say that wars only occur because magicians exist."

Katsuto interrupted his speech and looked at Tatsuya's reaction. Seeing that Tatsuya didn't change his expression at all, he continued.

"I'm not going to blame you for that Tactical Class magic. That would be an obvious mistake."

"Tactical Class Magic" was referring to the use of the "Active Air Mine" by a rebel girl in Central Asia. Although this incident led to the cancellation of the Nine Schools Competition which caused a wide-spread public reaction among magic high schools students, but Tatsuya didn't feel a drop of guilt from the very beginning, so now he didn't brow. Katsuto continued to talk while feeling that he had miscalculated a little.

"However if you take part in "Project Dion" then we can show everyone that magic isn't just for war. After the New Soviet Union's declaration of participation in the project, Japan can be considered as lagging behind in the peaceful use of magic. We can no longer turn a blind eye to the spread of slander against magicians in our country. Effective measures are needed."

"I can understand your concerns Juumonji-sama, but why Tatsuya-sama? There are professors at the National Magic University who are world- renowned authorities."

Katsuto hesitated to answer Miyuki's question. He understood that this was a fair argument. You cannot force one high school student to solve national problems. And yet he tried to give an answer, feeling his debt as the head of the Juumonji family of the Ten Master Clans.

"That's because, Miyuki-san ..."

But then Mayumi spoke, ahead of Katsuto.

Katsuto should no longer carry this burden alone. I will take it upon myself to become Miyuki's opponent. This was the course of her thoughts.

"... Edward Clark said that Tatsuya-kun is Taurus Silver."

"What!?" Mari showed a powerful reaction to Mayumi's words.

Miyuki only frowned slightly. Tatsuya's face didn't have any noticeable movement.

"Even if it's supposedly ..." Miyuki quietly retorted.... "Tatsuya-sama and is

Taurus Silver, then what of it?"

"Er ...?" Mayumi looked at Miyuki with an uncomprehending face after saying something completely unexpected.

"Even if Tatsuya-sama is Taurus Silver, this does not change the fact that he's a minor high school student."

Silencing Mayumi with these words, she continued on:

"Besides, the Yotsuba family isn't going to admit that Tatsuya-sama is

Taurus Silver."

It was a hint that if they decided that Taurus Silver's real identity is Tatsuya, then they should be prepared for a total confrontation with the Yotsuba family.

Miyuki was prepared to simultaneously fight the Saegusa and Juumonji families. But Mayumi wasn't ready to provoke a comprehensive conflict between the Saegusa and Yotsuba families. That was the difference between them at that moment.

"Shiba." Katsuto's voice interrupted the silence. "Do you still stubbornly refuse to take part in the project?"

"I do. This project has ulterior motives."

"And this is a good reason why the magicians of this country will be in a difficult situation?"

"I don't mind if you think that way."

From the confrontations of Tatsuya and Katsuto sparks sprang.

"I understand. ... If you don't want it that way, then it's inevitable."

Katsuto stood up.

"Shiba, let's go outside."

Tatsuya stood up, looking Katsuto in the eye.

"Juumonji Katsuto, are you serious?"

Whether from Mayumi, or from Mari, a cry was heard.

The air around him began to get colder. The reason for this wasn't Miyuki. It was the coldness of steel emitted by Tatsuya.

"The situation cannot wait. Your refusal isn't accepted."

Whether from Miyuki, or Minami heard a restrained groan.

Katsuto's body exerted pressure, as if exceeding the gravity of the Earth several times.

"Fine."

Tatsuya completely discarded the politeness of kohai towards the sempai.

"Pixie, my CAD."

"Yes, Master."

On Tatsuya's order, Pixie went to the case with the CAD.

"I'll go on ahead."

Katsuto turned his back on Tatsuya and left. He had absolutely no fear of being attacked from behind. Minami hastily ran to open the front door.

"Saegusa-sempai, Watanabe-sempai."

Tatsuya softened his voice a little. Thus, these two woke up from their stunned state.

"You also need to prepare. Please, go on ahead."

"Do you mind if we help Juumonji-kun ...?"

"It's too late to think about it, isn't?"Tatsuya responded coldly to Mayumi's question.

"You're very arrogant. Won't you regret it?"

"Regardless of what happens, I will not regret it."

On Mari's malicious remark, Tatsuya responded in the same tone as before.

"... Mari, let's go." Mayumi stood up and turned to Mari.

"Alright .... Tatsuya-kun, don't forget about those words." Mari said and followed along with Mayumi.

The three led by Katsuto stood near the SUV and waited for Tatsuya.

Tatsuya left the villa with Miyuki and Minami. He headed towards Katsuto, but didn't stop as he passed by.

"Follow me. We can damage the villa from here." Tatsuya said, passing Katsuto.

When Miyuki and Minami passed by, Katsuto followed them with a small interval. Mayumi and Mari also excitedly went after Katsuto.

? ? ?

In the shadows of the trees, someone was hiding and watching the developing events between Tatsuya and Katsuto. This man waited until Mari, who was last, went far enough, then brought his wrist with a wristwatch to his mouth.

The rat said "Shiba Tatsuya left the villa. Currently heading to a private golf course."

There was a built-in microphone in the strap of the wristwatches communication device.

The Boar said "Understood. Stop observation and reunite with the main unit. From the built-in dummy glasses of the speaker of the communication device, the answer of his accomplice was heard.

"Can't I check the destination?"

Monkey is observing the area of the?a closed golf course, and if they turn at a fork then Bird is waiting in the other direction.

The rat said "Understood."

The person using the code name Rat was a secret agent of the special affairs unit of the National Self-Defense Forces Intelligence Unit.

The detachment planning to attack Tatsuya today consisted mainly of the counterintelligence unit to which Tooyama Tsukasa belonged. However to ensure they didn't lose sight of Tatsuya in the mountains, observers from the special affairs unit were also involved.

The other day, Rat made a mistake when the data from the photo of the girl who visited Tatsuya was damaged. On that issue, it was concluded that this was a camera hardware failure, and no one accused the Rat himself.

But to the Rat living in the world of shadow operations for more than 10 years, it was very worrying.

Although he was able to recover from the memory a portrait of the girl visiting Shiba Tatsuya, but it wasn't suitable for performing facial recognition to reveal their disguise. In fact, they haven't yet been able to establish the identity of this beautiful girl, from whom a strange sense of unfriendliness emanated.

For the Rat, today's mission was a struggle to regain his honor. He really wanted to continue monitoring until the destination was determined.

However, an order was given, and he had no choice. As he was ordered, he left the place to join the main squad.

Because his head was in the clouds, he didn't notice that someone was watching him.

? ? ?

On the Izu Peninsula there were many golf courses that were confiscated during the last World War for use as air defense positions. They would be returned to the original owners after the war ended. But among them there were also golf courses, the management companies of which refused to receive them back, comparing the costs of restoration and possible income.

After the statutory compensation payment, such golf courses became state land, but they remained untouched after the anti-aircraft guns were removed from their positions.

Tatsuya brought Katsuto to one of these closed golf courses.

Here they won't need to be distracted by concerns that the buildings will be damaged.

Tatsuya stopped, turned around and said to Katsuto.

"Is it alright that we're in such an open place?"

The point of Katsuto's question was that he considered provocation as an invitation to become an enemy in an open area.

"Juumonji-dono wants excuses?"

Tatsuya's response was a standard phrase, but it seems to have worked.

"...Good. Shiba, I leave the first move for you."

Simultaneously with those words, Katsuto's barrier magic was deployed and the battle between them began. Katsuto's words were also another provocation: "Try and break my defenses if you can."

Unlike him Tatsuya didn't show any desire to continue fighting with words alone. In this situation, it is better to express your thoughts with magic.

In Tatsuya's right hand appeared a CAD in the form of a pistol. A moment later, the customized Silver Horn "Trident" was already fired at Katsuto.

Around Katsuto a lot of violent outbursts arose.

It was a light invisible to the unaided eye. However everyone present was an excellent magician. There were no people who couldn't see these bursts of psion light.

There were 18 flashes from Tatsuya attacks, and none of these attacks reached Katsuto's body.

"Zone Interference", "Data Fortification" and "Psion wall"?

"It's commendable that you saw this, but I cannot be defeated with one glance."

Tatsuya's words were only for distraction, but this plan was easily revealed. Tatsuya again activated decomposition magic.

Psion Wall as the name suggests is a magic that surrounds the user's body with a wall of high density psions. Although this magic looks similar to the barrier version of contact gram demolition, but unlike Tomitsuki's innate defense, this structure is created by artificial compression of psions. Therefore, it can be decomposed by Tatsuya's magic.

However, immediately after decomposing the Psion wall, a dome of powerful Zone Interference magic appears in the way. If you expand the Zone Interference Magic, then the shield comes up from the Data Fortification.

Even if you break it, then a new Psion Wall is coming. Zone Interference magic. Further it was expected Data Fortification, but again there was Zone Interference magic. A Psion Wall. Data Fortification. Zone Interference. Data Fortification. A Psion Wall. A Psion Wall. Zone Interference. Data Fortification...

Thus, three different anti-magic protections were created one after another.

Since they weren't created at the same time, you couldn't erase them in one go.

Due to the lack of a pattern it was impossible to prepare the necessary sequence of several decomposition magics in advance.

If several barriers of the same kind are created simultaneously, then Tatsuya can process them as one magic sequence. In other words, he can decompose them at the same time. This isn't limited to magic sequences and psion information bodies. If there are objects with a simple structure and the same properties, then it can recognize them as a single "set" and perform the decomposition of one "set" rather than each object separately.

However, Katsuto's barriers were created one by one, using the destruction of the already deployed barrier as a signal to create the next barrier. But Tatsuya cannot decompose what does not exist yet.

When you find out what will be created, you can destroy the structure that creates this.

But every time this structure, which serves as a "factory," is destroyed, it is reproduced again. If this happens at the same speed as Tatsuya, then his decomposition will not be able to overtake it.

He already knew that his magic was very poorly compatible with the defensive version of Phalanx. Now Tatsuya realized this as a fact.

The outbreaks of psion light accompanying the destruction of barriers ceased. In order to overcome the situation as quickly as possible, Tatsuya stopped his attacks for an instant.

Immediately after this, a two-dimensional wall flew towards Tatsuya.

Magic, which is designed to crush the target, continuously striking with impermeable barriers to the substance.

The attacking version of Phalanx.

And it has already been activated. It already existed. And if it exists, then there is no sequence of magic that Tatsuya cannot decompose.

Tatsuya one "shot" erased all 24 layers that make up this magic barrier.

"Hou ..."

Katsuto exclaimed out loud, and he grinned. Although he realized that the Attack Phalanx was completely incompatible with Tatsuya's magic, he showed no concern.

Katsuto sat down for a bit. Through his Elemental Sight, Tatsuya saw that

Katsuto's Magic Calculation Area was lit by intense psion light.

Overclocking of the Magic Calculation Area.

Ichijou Gouki the head of the Ichijo family showed signs last month of overheating. Once upon a time, Yotsuba Genzo, the former head of the Yotsuba family also lost his life from overheating.

"Attack ...!"

Tatsuya got ready. Katsuto's huge body flew.

Unfolding the anti-object barrier in a spherical shape in addition to the anti- magic barrier, Katsuto turned into a cannonball and flew forward. Tatsuya extended his left hand forward.

From this palm shot a stream of highly compressed psions.

Gram Demolition.

Having broken the anti-object barrier surrounding Katsuto, and passing through his Zone Interference, the stream of psions demolished the Acceleration magic.

However.

While Katsuto's body was still in the air, the Acceleration magic and the anti-object barrier were restored. No, they were reactivated.

Katsuto was approaching. On the verge of the collision, Tatsuya successfully destroyed the anti-object barrier. ... But he couldn't neutralize the Acceleration magic. Katsuto's shoulder struck Tatsuya's shoulder.

"Tatsuya-sama!" This involuntary cry came not from Miyuki, but from Minami.

Tatsuya's body was thrown back, and he fell in the overgrown weeds. Miyuki clenched her lips, but looked patiently at Tatsuya.

While falling Tatsuya Flash Cast Move-type magic to gain some distance from Katsuto. Katsuto didn't pursue.

It wasn't because he had already recognized his victory, but because his goal was to force him to surrender.

"Did you even use magic?" Tatsuya muttered, rising.

After he was thrown back, Tatsuya noticed that just before the blow, Katsuto used Fortification magic on his jacket shoulder.

"There is no reason not to use it."

Katsuto again released light from the emitted surplus psions.

Overclocking the magic calculation area, leading to its overheating. Tatsuya knew that Katsuto was doing it consciously.

The trump card of the Juumonji family "Overclocking". *

[Here the author writes in English "overclock", and in previous mentions it is written in Japanese, but the literal translation there is "excessive activation."]

This is a magical technique that allows you to temporarily surpass your own limits by increasing the activity of the magic calculation area and also temporarily increasing your magical power.

This is a magical tactic that allows you to win at the cost of a lifetime as a magician.

This was a curse that haunts the "Capital's Final Defense" that isn't allowed to lose.

Juumonji Kazuki, the previous head of the Juumonji family, lost his magic ability due to the frequent use of overclocking. And it happened right in front of Katsuto. And yet he used this technique to defeat Tatsuya.

Tatsuya decomposed the anti-object barrier flying towards him, and avoided the blow, taking a step to the side. But before Katsuto flew past, his anti-object barrier was redeployed and greatly expanded. Tatsuya was struck again.

Katsuto approached Tatsuya lying on the ground. Katsuto's right foot pressed down from above. Under his shoe, an anti-object barrier was deployed duplicating the shape of the sole.

Tatsuya escaped this attack at the last moment. However, when he managed to climb to one knee, Tatsuya received a fist from Katsuto. More precisely, it was an attack by the attacking version of Phalanx from a very close distance.

Tatsuya wanted to decompose it, but the fist approaching directly behind it was wrapped in an anti-object barrier and Zone Interference. The Zone Interference prevents the activation of magic for all but its user. Tatsuya's hand which had blocked Katsuto's fist bent in an unnatural direction.

Tatsuya jumped back to avoid the full force of the punch. By the time his feet touched the ground, traces of a fracture were gone. However, immediately after landing his feet weren't firmly on the ground enough to make the next jump.

If he had a few fractions of a second more, he could have dodged this. However, Katsuto didn't give him even that much time.

Katsuto's shoulder struck Tatsuya again. Tatsuya's body was thrown back almost 10 meters.

You don't fly away, even when you're hit by a car. The force of the impact was probably equivalent to the impact of a heavy truck.

Tatsuya was lying on the ground with blood spattered around him. It was obvious to see that he had severe internal injuries.

"Tatsuya-kun!" There was a cry from Mayumi, who should be considered an enemy.

Miyuki clenched her fists and pressed them to her chest, but silently restrained herself while keeping her eyes on Tatsuya.

Katsuto extended his right hand toward Tatsuya.

"Hey, stop it!"

Ignoring Mari's cry, Katsuto released an attacking version of Phalanx in the direction of Tatsuya who was still lying face down. The two-dimensional barrier, capable of crushing an armored car, flew towards Tatsuya. However, just before touching him the 32-layer barrier disappeared.

"What...?" Katsuto said in astonishment. He didn't think that Tatsuya still had the strength to resist.

Tatsuya's hands moved. Pushing away with both hands, he lifted his upper body. And, finally, slowly got up.

There were no traces of blood around his mouth and the blood spots had also disappeared within the overgrown weeds.

"Shiba. This is your "Regrowth"? ..."

Katsuto couldn't hide his surprise. However, he quickly regained his composure and deployed the defensive version of Phalanx.

Tatsuya didn't say anything. His expression didn't show any emotion. It was completely lacking in humanity.

Tatsuya's left hand stretched towards Katsuto. This hand held the CAD in the form of a pistol. But it was slightly different from the one that was in his lowered right hand.

At the far end of the CAD on its "muzzle", something similar to a sharp spike was attached. A metal spike 15 cm in length.

What is this premonition? Katsuto couldn't decide whether to go on the attack. He tried to jump to the side, but Tatsuya pulled the trigger faster.

No one, including Katsuto, could see what happened.

But everyone realized that magic was used.

"Ghuu ..."

Katsuto fell to his knees.

"Juumonji-kun !?"

"Juumonji !?" Mayumi and Mari shouted.

With his right hand, Katsuto squeezed what remained of his left arm. The arm was charred at the elbow, the part below the elbow was torn off and it was lying on the ground.

"What did you ... do?"

He didn't have to answer. Katsuto knew this, but couldn't help but ask.

He couldn't help but ask about what could penetrate his barrier.

"Baryon Lance."

However, contrary to Katsuto's expectations, Tatsuya replied.

"It's anti-magic magic that decomposes the spearhead into electrons, protons and neutrons, after which the electrons are absorbed by protons and a neutron beam is released."

"A neutron beam ...? This is a weapon with radioactive contamination, banned by the International Magic Association!" Katsuto overcome the pain and accused Tatsuya.

"There is no radiation contamination. No radioactive substance are left. Leaving the fact that the attack was carried out, all the neutrons used for the attack returned to their original position."

"Regrowth ...?"

"That's right."

Tatsuya again aimed "Baryon Lance" at Katsuto. This time directly at his heart.

"Juumonji-dono, give up."

"......"

"Your Phalanx cannot stop my Baryon Lance."

Tatsuya explained how the Baryon Lance works to encourage Katsuto to surrender.

"Juumonji-kun!"

Mayumi activated her CAD. But the activation sequence was frozen during the output.

"This is Miyuki-san !?"

Mayumi looked angrily at Miyuki.

"Counter-magic "Freeze Gram." Saegusa-sempai, you cannot use your CAD." Miyuki said calmly. Her peaceful face radiated a feeling of love and kindness.

"In that case!"

For a modern magician a CAD is an indispensable tool, but this does not mean that it is mandatory for the activation of magic. From the very beginning, modern magic evolved from the supernatural ability to distort reality only by the power of thought. Magicians with great magical power can use magic that they're familiar with even without CAD. This requires only a "spell" of autosuggestion, which stimulates the Magic Calculation Area to create a magic sequence. It takes more time to activate the magic without a CAD.

Set: decreasing entropy ? density control ? phase transition ? condensation

?transformation of the form of energy ? acceleration ? sublimation: input! Perform a modification of the phenomenon! Magic "Dry meteor"!

If you are able to clearly define a concept with words, and introduce this concept into yourself, then you don't need to say it out loud.

But when you're in front of the enemy, it's too slow to do so. This is equivalent to being under attack all this time. Modern magic discarded casting tools and chose CADs to avoid this.

However, Miyuki didn't attack Mayumi while she was casting the spell. Because she didn't need to. Dry meteor wasn't activated.

"Such a strong Zone Interference... "

"It's useless. I will not let you interfere with Tatsuya-sama." Miyuki announced

Mari ran in silence. In her hand was a battle knife drawn from somewhere. She decided that since magic won't work then she needs to neutralize Miyuki with physical weapons.

The idea was correct. If Miyuki was alone. If Minami corresponded to her appearance as an innocent girl.

Minami stood beside Mari in the way. A gun barrel was pointed at Mari.

"Watanabe-sama. Please drop your weapon."

Even in this situation, Minami was polite. Mari clenched her teeth.

Pistols pose a threat to magicians, and even more so in the current situation when it's impossible to use magic because of Miyuki's Zone Interference. The way Minami held the gun in her hand obviously said that she was used to it, and there were no gaps in her defense.

Mari didn't say -->>

next page